($566+) Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $566 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,530 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 803 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,849, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,530 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,106 - $3,580, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $566 - $1,554.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,539 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Ann Arbor: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,539 - $6,131. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 803 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 803-mile route from Montgomery to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,849 - $4,822 $1,106 - $1,977 $566 - $1,134 $1,005 - $1,798
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,539 - $6,131 $1,393 - $2,857 $617 - $1,308 $1,126 - $2,285
4+ bedrooms $4,452 - $8,530 $2,045 - $3,580 $789 - $1,554 $1,512 - $3,132

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

For the 803-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $1,849 and $8,530. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $269 - $1,796 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Montgomery generally start around $462 plus $133 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,849 - $4,822
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,539 - $6,131
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,452 - $8,530

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Montgomery to Ann Arbor.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$449 - $4,490
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$180 - $1,078/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$269 - $2,155
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers$898 - $2,694
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,245 - $8,980
Car shippingSecond vehicle$673 - $1,278
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$898 - $2,245
PianoAny piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$718 - $3,143
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers$269 - $1,347
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc.$584 - $1,796
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$269 - $13,470+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$269 - $3,143+

What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?

Look for Michigan Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Michigan beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Montgomery, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,106 and $3,580. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Montgomery typically costs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,106 - $1,977
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,857
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,045 - $3,580

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $67 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $135 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $629 in Montgomery, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Ann Arbor, MI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Michigan move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,106. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,393 - $2,857, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Ann Arbor?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Montgomery to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Montgomery:

  • McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
  • Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Renting a moving truck for the 803-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $566 and $1,554, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $229 - $262
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to Ann Arbor based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $566 - $1,134
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $617 - $1,308
  • 4+ bedrooms: $789 - $1,554

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $566 - $1,554 does not include fuel ($229 - $262) , lodging ($135/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Montgomery to Ann Arbor typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $135 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Montgomery, Alabama, usually costs about $629 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 803-mile drive falls between $229 and $262, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $45 and $269 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

If you're moving a larger household from Montgomery, Alabama, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,126 and $2,285.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Ann Arbor:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,798
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,285
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,132

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $629.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $67 and $135 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Ann Arbor?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
  3. MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Ann Arbor, MI

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Montgomery, AL Ann Arbor, MI
Cost of living index79106
Average rent$1,200/mo$2,260/mo
Median home value$146,265$435,434
Average income$55,687/yr$81,089/yr
Unemployment rate5.8%3.5%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 4.25%
Walkability score26/10052/100
Safety index34.75/10079.18/100
Air qualityModerateModerate

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Montgomery, AL guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Michigan over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 46 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 803-mile move.

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Our take

The 803-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, costs between $1,849 and $8,530 with full-service movers, $1,106 - $3,580 with a moving container, and $566 - $1,554 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,539 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

How much does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Ann Arbor, MI?

Costs on this route range from around $1,849 to $8,530, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,849 and $8,530, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

How walkable is Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($229 - $262), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?

The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.

What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.